There was a man who recounts receiving a direct message (DM) asking how they managed to stay mentally sound during their 21 years in prison. This question prompted them to share an impactful lesson from their mother, who consistently sent them inspirational stories throughout their incarceration. One story, in particular, profoundly shaped their perspective on life and resilience.

Key Points:

1. Mother’s Inspirational Stories:
   1. The man’s mother sent them numerous inspirational stories during their 21 years in prison. These stories provided mental and emotional support, helping them navigate the challenges of incarceration.
2. The Egg, Carrot, and Coffee Bean Story:
   1. One story that stood out was about an egg, a carrot, and a coffee bean, each representing different responses to adversity.
      1. Egg: The egg goes into boiling water fragile and comes out hard, symbolizing how some people become hardened by difficult environments.
      1. Carrot: The carrot goes in hard and comes out soft, representing how some people are worn down and weakened by adversity.
      1. Coffee Bean: The coffee bean changes the water, signifying how some people can influence and transform their environment rather than being changed by it.
3. Symbolism of Boiling Water:
   1. The boiling water in the story represents challenging environments or situations. The response of the egg, carrot, and coffee bean illustrates different ways individuals can react to adversity.
4. Choosing to Be a Coffee Bean:
   1. Inspired by the story, the man decided to adopt the coffee bean mindset. They resolved to have a positive impact on their environment, maintaining mental strength and resilience despite the harsh conditions of prison life.
5. Application of the Lesson:
   1. This mindset helped the man stay mentally sound during their long incarceration. By focusing on influencing their environment positively, they avoided becoming hardened or worn down by their circumstances.

Conclusion: The story of the egg, carrot, and coffee bean serves as a powerful metaphor for how individuals can respond to adversity. The man’s decision to be a coffee bean, inspired by their mother’s story, highlights the importance of maintaining mental resilience and striving to positively impact one’s environment, regardless of the challenges faced. This mindset can help anyone navigate difficult situations with strength and determination.